12 years ago, a group of handy residents at Aveo’s Cherry Tree Grove Retirement Living in Croydon, just 30 km east of Melbourne’s CBD, decided to band together and help their neighbours with small jobs outside the regular maintenance team’s scope.

Today, the Blue Army has grown to 23 volunteers – men and women – who meet twice a week, ready to tackle a wide range of tasks for the village’s 450 residents.

Brian Cooper (pictured below), coordinator of the Blue Army and a Cherry Tree Grove resident, explained how it all began: “We noticed some neighbours needed a little extra help with odd jobs around their homes.”

Now, the village office sends maintenance requests either to the on-site staff or the Blue Army. Volunteers meet at their shed where jobs are matched to their skills, then head out in pairs to residents’ homes.

On any given day, 12 to 14 volunteers pitch in to do everything from changing lightbulbs and replacing smoke alarm batteries to hanging pictures, fixing roller blind chains, or installing shelves. They also offer tech support – helping with TV retuning or computer and printer problems.

After finishing their tasks, the team returns to the shed to debrief over coffee and share some Tim Tams.

Wearing their signature blue polo shirts and matching caps, Blue Army volunteers undergo induction, safety training, and must be certified to use power tools safely. Residents cover the cost of any parts needed and can make a small donation to help restock supplies, uniforms, and tools. Surplus funds at year’s end are donated to charity.

14 of the 23-strong Blue Army after a day’s work in the village

So far this year, the Blue Army has completed 235 tasks and estimates they’ve saved residents around $70,000 in tradie callout fees.

Most volunteers are DIY enthusiasts, but others bring professional skills — retired electronic engineers, drainage experts, builders, cabinetmakers, and accountants all lend a hand.

Brian says, “It’s wonderful to be part of the team. We share laughs, camaraderie, and the satisfaction of looking out for our fellow residents. The positive feedback we get from residents and their families makes it all worthwhile.”

Valetta Johnston, Aveo’s State Operations Manager, praises the Blue Army as a perfect example of how residents’ skills and life experiences continue to enrich their communities.

“The Blue Army delivers incredible value to residents and gives volunteers a strong sense of purpose and belonging,” Valetta said. “Their camaraderie shines through in the friendly banter during their group cuppa. It’s as important as the tasks they complete.”

She adds that the Blue Army’s clear systems and safety procedures allow volunteers to work confidently within their limits. “I’d love to see this great initiative adopted across other Aveo communities.”

Recently, the Blue Army expanded their service to include an equipment loan program. Residents recovering from surgery or illness can now borrow items like walking frames, shower seats, crutches, or even electric scooters for a small donation.